Mudavadi faults opposition for challenging IEBC reconstitution

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on 19, March, 2025. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard] Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has accused the opposition of attempting to frustrate the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) through courts. Speaking on Tuesday during the burial of Mzee William Lumati in Malava, Kakamega County, Mudavadi said the delay in finalising the appointment of IEBC commissioners is a setback to Kenya's electoral calendar. "For nearly two years, the IEBC has remained unconstituted. Now, as the process of reconstituting it begins, some people through their proxies are rushing to court to derail it," Mudavadi lamented. "This is not just sabotage; it threatens the democratic process." His remarks follow a High Court decision on Monday to temporarily suspend the vetting of President William Ruto's nominee for IEBC chairperson, Erastus Ethekon, and six other nominees. The suspension came after two petitioners challenged the legality of the selection process, arguing it did not meet constitutional requirements. The court is set to deliver its ruling on the matter on May 29, 2025. Mudavadi emphasised the urgency of reconstituting the electoral commission to avoid a crisis, noting that several constituencies are currently without representation due to pending by-elections. "The absence of a fully constituted IEBC is already causing governance gaps," he added. "We must rise above personal interests and focus on the stability and future of this nation." He called on leaders and citizens to support the process and avoid politicising it, insisting that delaying the appointments could lead to larger constitutional and electoral issues as the country gears up for the 2027 polls. Mudavadi's sentiments come barely a week after a section of Opposition leaders, led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, accused President William Ruto of disregarding inclusivity and consensus in the process. Kalonzo claimed Ruto's actions were a deliberate set-up to rig both the upcoming by-elections and the 2027 general election, a move that may jeopardise recent efforts to cure the trust deficit the electoral body has suffered, which has been a recipe for post-election clashes. "We are extremely concerned that Ruto chose to be partisan by ignoring the principle of consultation and concurrence in his recommendation of the chairman and members of the IEBC. This action has automatically created a low-trust institution," Kalonzo said. The nominees whose names were forwarded to the National Assembly include Erastus Ethekon, to replace the late Wafula Chebukati as chairman, and commissioners Ann Njeri Nderitu (Nyandarua), Moses Alutalala Mukhwana (Kakamega), Mary Karen Sorobit (Uasin Gishu), Hassan Noor Hassan (Mandera), Francis Odhiambo Aduol (Kisumu) and Fahima Araphat Abdallah (Lamu).

Mudavadi faults opposition for challenging IEBC reconstitution

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Mudavadi faults opposition for challenging IEBC reconstitution

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